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Introduction

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Ready to Pirouette

Do you have a little girl that loves to twirl around? Have her help you make a colorful tutu she can call her own. Even if she is not handy with scissors, she can help lay out the fabric and tie it onto the elastic.

Step 1

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Cut Elastic to Size

To determine the length of the elastic, measure your child’s waist. Subtract 4 inches then cut to that size. (For example, my child's waist is 21 inches, minus 4 equals a 17-inch piece of elastic.) Keep in mind that the elastic will stretch as you are putting the fabric scraps around it. For the best fit, always measure the child. But just in case you do not have that option, here is a list of the average waist size for a child’s age: 12 to 18 months = 15 1/2”; 2T = 16”; 3T = 16 1/2”; 4T = 17”; 5T = 17 1/2”, 6T = 18”; 7 yrs. = 18 1/2”, 8 yrs = 19”. Add 1” to the elastic for each additional year up until the teen years.

Step 1: Comments

Step 2

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Pin the Elastic Waistband

Fold the elastic so that the ends meet and overlap. Pin it in place.

Step 2: Comments

Step 3

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Sew the Elastic Waistband

Use a needle and thread or a sewing machine to stitch the ends together.

Step 3: Comments

Step 4

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Prep the Scrap Fabric

Cut the fabric into 2 1/2” x 22” strips.

Step 4: Comments

Step 5

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Fold

When you have cut all of the fabric into strips, take the first strip and fold it in half so that it creates a loop.

Step 5: Comments

Step 6

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Wrap Around the Elastic

Bring the loop of fabric up and over the inside of the elastic. The bottom of the fabric will be beneath the elastic waistband, and the top of the loop will be above.

Step 6: Comments

Step 7

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Grab the Bottom Part

With the loop still above the elastic, grab both of the bottom ends of the fabric strip.

Step 7: Comments

Step 8

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Loop Together

Pull the bottom ends of the fabric strips through your upper fabric loop.

Keep Going

Step 12: Comments

Step 13

Top It Off With Bows

If desired, add bow ties around the top of the tutu. Place one fabric strip underneath the top of one of the tutu pieces. Your new fabric strip will be centered with the tutu strip it is on underneath.

Step 13: Comments

Step 14

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Tie the Bows

Tie the new fabric strip in a bow around the tutu strip. Repeat on various tutu strips all around the top edge of the tutu.

Step 14: Comments

Step 15

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Go, Girl

Wear the tutu over your favorite tights or leggings for an ultra-cool look!

These flowers are super easy to make, and if you use scrap fabric, they shouldn't cost a penny. Use the flowers as a corsage or hairpiece, sew them onto a belt or pillow, or use as a gift topper — the possibilities are endless.